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Standard Auto Care in Sacramento has a blog and videos that keep automobile owners abreast of what’s happening in the always changing automotive industry. Tom Hipp and his team of auto mechanics value our customers and want them to be as informed as possible. Check out Standard Auto Care’s blogs-videos:

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Timing Belt

Timing belt replacement can be a costly repair, which is why many Sacramento drivers tend to put it off as long as they can. In fact, recent studies have shown that one in every five vehicles needs a new belt. However, ignoring this problem can result in damaging the rest of your vehicle, particularly your engine. Once your timing belt completely fails, your vehicle will not be able to operate and in many cases can leave you stranded. To avoid such situations, be aware of the following signs to change your timing belt as early as possible.

You Notice Material Loss

Similar to the way you would inspect your tire for wear, you want to check your timing belt for any loss of material. As the material deteriorates, you lose traction, which can cause the timing belt to slip out of place. This is especially true for vehicles that are carrying a particularly heavy load, such as a trailer or caravan.

Your Belt Shows Signs of Abrasion

If your belt’s edges look worn down to the insides, it’s likely a result of tensioner or pulley misalignment that causes excess heat or bearing failure. Your mechanic will take this as a sign that the timing belt is worn down and needs replacing.

There’s a Ticking Noise Coming from the Engine

Your timing belt is made up of a series of cranks, pulleys and rods. When the belt begins to wear out, those various parts start ticking, which will sound like it’s coming from inside the motor. This can also be a result of low oil pressure, but due to the necessity of a functioning timing belt, it’s best to have it inspected just in case.

You Notice Oil Leaking from the Front of Your Vehicle

Let’s get one thing clear, oil leaking is never a good thing and should not be overlooked. Oil leaking can also be a sign that the timing belt cover has become loose or a gasket in the engine block cover has worn out. Oil leakage can also occur when your engine is overheating, causing your timing belt to wear out at a faster rate.

If you’ve noticed one or more of the signs above, we highly suggest bringing your vehicle in to have your timing belt repair in Sacramento, CA assessed by one of our expert auto technicians. At Standard Auto, we know no one likes to shell out money for expensive parts, which is why we keep our prices competitive and never go forward with any work that you haven’t authorized first. Our top priority is to keep you safe on the road, which is why we practice full transparency so you know exactly what is happening with your vehicle every step of the way. If you would like to have your timing belt checked to see if it’s in need of a repair or replacement, give us a call at 916-924-8040 or visit us in person at 2240 Colfax St, Sacramento, CA 95815.

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Timing Belt
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